Carassius auratus auratus

Sarasa Comet

Carassius carassius auratus, Cyprinus auratus, Carassius auratus, Cyprinus mauritianus, Cyprinus thoracatus, Carassius chinensis, Cyprinus maillardi, Carassius auratus cantonensis

Ancestors (goldfish) were native to China, Hong Kong, Japan, Laos, Macau and Myanmar.

Mature females fuller bodied. Mature males show breeding tubercles on gill plates & pectoral fins.

Usually up to 46cm (18"), although larger specimen

Neutral to alkaline conditions preferred. pH: 7.0-8.0, dH: up to 25 degrees.

Subtropical: 04-30 deg C (39-86 deg F)

The Sarasa Comet, an attractive red and white single-tailed strain of the Goldfish, is a popular and eye-catching addition to the garden pond. Of course, they may be kept in well-filtered spacious aquaria (with a large surface area for oxygen exchange), but they will very much appreciate the freedom and space that a pond can provide. Given such an unrestricted expanse and excellent water conditions, this is a fish that has been known to grow as large as 60cm (24") and live for well over 25 years. Regular maintenance is required to keep your Sarasa Comets in good health. They are notoriously messy feeders, and continually stir up the substrate in their ongoing search for food. Powerful filtration is essential, and regular partial water changes are advised, particularly in the confines of aquariums and smaller ponds. The water should be well-oxygenated (of particular importance during warmer spells of weather) and this is easily achieved in a pond situation by use of fountains, air pumps, waterfalls etc and may be aided further by the incorporation of oxygenating aquatic plants. Sarasa Comets should be kept in groups of 5 or more of their own kind and may be successfully kept alongside Goldfish and Shubunkins. In larger ponds, bigger fish such as tench and orfe may also be considered.

Pond flakes, pond pellets, pond sticks, frozen/live foods etc. As the water temperature cools down in late Autumn, a lower protein wheatgerm-based food should be fed.

Mature Sarasa Comets will breed on a regular basis in established ponds so do make occasional checks to ensure that the pond is not becoming overstocked. In larger ponds, keeping fish that will consume the eggs - such as orfe - is a natural way of keeping the population in check. Sarasa Comets lay their eggs amongst aquatic vegetation (or on artificial spawning mops) and these usually hatch within 48-72 hours depending on water temperature.

Large fish community

No special requirements